LITMIR.BIZ

      When they returned to the apartment that night after the ball Maggie kicked her shoes off just inside the door—her feet were aching. Her nerves were on a knife-edge. All evening Caleb had been watching her, scrutinising her. It was making her nervous. She went into the kitchen to put on the kettle. She sensed Caleb come in and lean against the door frame. Finally she couldn’t stand it any more and whirled around. ‘What…what is it? You’ve been staring at me all night.’

      His eyes ran up and down her body, leisurely and explicit, and she felt a hot flush invade her skin.

      ‘I don’t like it.’

      ‘Yes, Maggie, you do.’

      He strolled towards her. She couldn’t go anywhere. She was backed against the counter and suddenly remembered that other night in the kitchen when she’d practically ravished him. She went even redder.

      ‘My, what blushes. What could possibly be going through that head of yours?’

      He was almost touching her. His hand lifted and cupped her jaw, caressing, moulding, his fingers tracing the line.

      He fixated on her mouth for long seconds and Maggie’s breathing felt far too loud. Her heart was hammering. Her nerves were screaming.

      Just do it…kiss me!

      Instead, he seemed to wage some inner struggle and met her eyes. He saw the pulse beating at her temple, under the translucent skin.

      ‘Are you going to tell me what that was all about earlier?’

      ‘What…earlier?’ She was genuinely mystified and had trouble concentrating when he was so close.

      ‘Your car, Maggie. The whole song and dance to get your mother off the subject.’

      She stiffened. He could sense her distancing herself even though she couldn’t physically get away. He had that sensation of her feeling cornered again.

      ‘What do you mean? There was nothing going on.’

      ‘Please. Spare me.’

      He brought his arms either side of her body. They brushed against the sides of her breasts. She closed her eyes for a split second. It was so unfair of him to question her like this, when she felt so…weak.

      He could see her struggle.

      Could see the shutters descend over those lovely eyes, which now flashed a stormy green.

      ‘It was nothing, Caleb. She thinks I have some adolescent attachment to the car, but I outgrew it years ago. Believe me, I hated it, couldn’t wait to get rid of it.’ She shrugged lightly. ‘When she saw the new one…she just wouldn’t let it drop. That’s all.’

      He hadn’t made millions from not being able to read people and, right now, he knew Maggie was lying through her teeth. But why? And what did it mean if she was? A door slammed in his head. He did not want to go there.

      He let his gaze wander down. She looked sexily prim and proper tonight. Her hair had been straightened and pulled back into a low chignon. The high-necked designer gown hugged every curve, hiding far too much and conversely revealing everything. He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her into him. She melted against him, a tinge of pink along each cheek bone. He told himself he didn’t care. Why was he even bothering to question her about it, anyway? All he wanted from her was right here in his arms. She was warm and willing and oh, so ready.

      ‘Fine, Maggie, whatever you say…’ and he bent his head and moulded her every curve to his hard length, took her soft lips and kissed her until he felt her legs weaken. Then he led her into the bedroom, opened every button on her dress, kissing each piece of flesh as he did so, by which time she was boneless with want and need. As Caleb came over her, dark and powerful, Maggie had one last coherent thought of thanks that he hadn’t felt the need to pursue the matter. And lost herself in him. Again.